National News
IIT Delhi And Prasar Bharati To Host Two-Day Robot Competition ‘DD-Robocon’ India 2024 In Delhi
IIT Delhi and Prasar Bharati Host DD-Robocon India 2024 to Select National Robotics Champion
- DD-Robocon India 2024 starts today at Thyagaraj Stadium, Delhi.
- Over 750 students from 45+ colleges and universities are participating.
- The event features robots competing in complex tasks within specific time limits.
- The winning team will represent India at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Robocon 2024 in QuangNinh, Vietnam.
- The competition aims to enhance technical skills, innovation, and teamwork among engineering students.
- IIT Delhi appreciates Prasar Bharati’s support in hosting and conducting the competition.
CM Adityanath Inaugurates Uttar Pradesh Mango Festival
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced Uttar Pradesh’s export of 40 tonnes of mangoes to Japan and Malaysia, and for the first time, Dussehri mangoes from Lucknow are exported to the United States.
- Market Insights: Dussehri mangoes in the U.S. market are priced at ₹900 per kilogram compared to ₹60-100 per kilogram in India, factoring in logistics costs of ₹250-300 per kilogram.
- Production and Contribution: Uttar Pradesh produces 58 lakh metric tonnes of mangoes on 3,15,000 hectares, contributing approximately 30% of India’s mango production.
- Government Collaboration: The state government, in collaboration with the Government of India, established pack houses in Saharanpur, Amroha, Lucknow, and Varanasi to support mango farmers.
- Mango Festival: Inaugurated at Awadh Shilp Gram, the festival includes an exhibition of 120 mango varieties, a mango-eating competition, and training seminars involving farmers from U.P., Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh.
Uttar Pradesh:
- Capital: Lucknow
- Governor: Anandiben Mafatbhai Patel
Government to Launch ‘Agri Fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises’ (AgriSURE)
The Government of India introduces the ‘Agri Fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises’ (AgriSURE) with a Rs 750 crore Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) aimed at supporting start-ups and agripreneurs.
- Fund Objectives: AgriSURE will provide equity and debt support to high-risk, high-impact activities in the agriculture value chain, fostering innovation and sustainability.
- Launch Event: Announcement made at a Pre-Launch Stakeholder meet at NABARD Headquarters, Mumbai, attended by key stakeholders including financial institutions, investors, AIF managers, and agri-startups.
- Key Attendees: Shri Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Joint Secretary, DA&FW; Shri Shaji K.V., Chairman, NABARD; Shri Govardhan Singh Rawat, DMD, NABARD; and Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood, DMD, NABARD emphasized collaboration for agricultural financing and innovation.
Banking news
RBI Eases LRS Norms for Investment via GIFT IFSC
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has expanded the scope of remittances to International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). This allows resident Indians to open fixed deposits in dollars at GIFT IFSC, facilitating various financial services and products as per the International Financial Services Centres Authority Act, 2019.
Expansion of Remittance Scope:
- Resident Indians can now open Foreign Currency Accounts (FCAs) at GIFT IFSC.
- Enables remittances for all permissible purposes under LRS to IFSCs.
- Allows current or capital account transactions overseas through an FCA held in IFSCs.
Investment Opportunities:
- Residents can invest outside India via FCA accounts, adhering to the LRS limit of $250,000 per year.
- Includes the ability to open dollar-denominated fixed deposits, offering protection against inflation and currency depreciation.
Enhanced Financial Services:
- Authorised persons can facilitate remittances for financial services/products as per the International Financial Services Centres Authority Act, 2019.
- Allows for insurance and bank fixed deposits in foreign currency, previously not permitted.
- Benefits IFSC banks and creates new opportunities for life insurance companies operating within GIFT IFSC.
Award news
Nagaland Crowned Best State in Horticulture: Agriculture Leadership Awards 2024
In a significant recognition of its efforts in agricultural development, Nagalandhas been awarded the title of best state in horticulture at the prestigious Agriculture Leadership Awards 2024. This accolade highlights the state’s commitment to innovative agricultural practices and rural development.
- Award Recognition: Nagaland honored as the best state in horticulture at the Agriculture Leadership Awards 2024.
- Award Significance: The awards, established in 2008, recognize excellence and leadership in agricultural development and rural prosperity.
- Event Details: The 2024 awards were part of the 15th Agriculture Leadership Conclave in New Delhi.
- Nagaland’s Achievement: Recognized for innovative horticulture programs and policies positively impacting farmers and rural residents.
- Award Reception: Salhoutuonuo Kruse, Nagaland’s Minister for Women Resource Development and Horticulture, accepted the award.
- Dignitaries Present: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan attended the ceremony.
Nagaland’s Horticultural Achievements Recognized in Agricultural Leadership Awards 2024
- Geographical Indication (GI) Registration: Nagaland secured GI registration for Naga Mircha (Naga Chili), Naga Tree Tomato, and Naga Sweet Cucumber, protecting and promoting these unique crops.
- Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs): The Department of Horticulture facilitated the formation of 13 FPCs to strengthen the agricultural value chain, improving market access and bargaining power for farmers.
- Organic Farming: An area of 6,800 hectares in Nagaland has been brought under organic certification, promoting sustainable agriculture and meeting consumer demand for organic produce.
NAGALAND:
- Capital: Kohima (Executive Branch)
- Chief minister: Neiphiu Rio
Ranks And Report News
NITI Aayog Releases SDG India Index 2023-24
The SDG India Index 2023-24 reveals significant national and subnational progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). India’s composite score improved to 71, reflecting advancements across key sectors like poverty eradication, economic growth, climate action, and biodiversity conservation.
- Overall Score: India’s composite score improved to 71, indicating advancements in poverty eradication, economic growth, climate action, and biodiversity conservation.
- Front Runner States: 32 States and UTs scored between 65 and 99, with significant improvements in Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and West Bengal.
- New Entrants: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Chhattisgarh joined the Front Runner category with substantial score increases.
- Goal 13 (Climate Action): Score rose from 54 to 67, reflecting better disaster preparedness and increased renewable energy use.
- Goal 1 (No Poverty): Score improved from 60 to 72, driven by social welfare schemes like PMAY and Ayushman Bharat.
- Key Interventions: Initiatives like PM Awas Yojana and Ujjwala Yojana significantly advanced housing, sanitation, and clean energy goals; financial inclusion and digital infrastructure boosted economic growth and societal welfare.
- Institutional Framework: NITI Aayog’s efforts in localizing SDGs and fostering competitive federalism have been pivotal.
- Future Directions: The SDG India Index is a vital tool for assessing progress and guiding policies towards achieving the 2030 Agenda, focusing on inclusive growth and environmental sustainability.
NITI aayog:
- Chairperson: Narendra Modi
- Founded: 1 January 2015
UP State Bird Sarus Crane Population Surge to 19,918
According to the latest 2024 summer census figure released by the Forest Department of Uttar Pradesh on 10 July 2024, the total population of the state bird, the Sarus Crane, has increased to 19,918, an increase of 396 compared to last year.
- The summer census was conducted by the Forest Department with the help of 10,000 citizens in the state.
- Uttar Pradesh has the largest Sarus crane population in India,
Etawah Forest Division Reports Highest Number of Sarus Cranes in Recent Census
- Top Sightings: Etawah Forest Division recorded the highest number of Sarus cranes with 3,289 sightings.
- Significant Counts: Other divisions with high numbers include Mainpuri (2,945), Shahjahanpur (1,212), Auraiya (1,202), Kannauj (786), Hardoi (735), Sant Kabir Nagar (717), Kanpur Dehat (709), Gorakhpur (675), and Siddharth Nagar (673).
- Moderate Counts: 27 forest divisions reported 100 to 500 birds, with Raebareli (428), Sitapur (427), Unnao (426), and Bareilly (348) among the notable ones.
- Lower Counts: 31 forest divisions recorded fewer than 100 cranes.
About Sarus Crane
- The Sarus crane was declared the state bird of Uttar Pradesh in 2014. Uttar Pradesh has the largest population of the Sarus crane in India.
- The Sarus crane is the world’s tallest bird which can fly.
- The birds nest in the wetlands area,
- The bird is included in Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Summit News
Department of Fisheries organizes the ‘Fisheries Summer Meet 2024′ today at Madurai, Tamil Nadu
The Fisheries Summer Meet 2024, organized by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, was held in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
- Recognition and Awareness: The event aimed to recognize contributions from fish farmers, aquapreneurs, and fishermen, showcase DoF achievements, and raise sector awareness.
- Project Inauguration: 312 fisheries projects across 19 States/UTs with an investment of Rs. 114 crore were inaugurated under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
- Key Speakers: Union Minister Shri Rajeev Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Prof. S P Singh Baghel (MoS, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Panchayati Raj), and Shri George Kurian (MoS, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Minority Affairs) attended.
- Minister’s Address: Shri Rajeev Ranjan Singh discussed stakeholder roles, PMMSY implementation, and emphasized high-quality seeds, brood banks, RAS, Biofloc, deep-sea vessels, and technology for increased production.
- Challenges and Collaboration: The minister acknowledged challenges in the sector’s unorganized nature but expressed confidence in collaborative efforts to address issues.
Minister responsible: Lalan Singh, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
Sports News
PUMA Partners with Indian Olympic Association for Paris Olympics 2024
Sports brand PUMA India has announced a significant partnership with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), becoming the Official Footwear Partner for the Indian contingent at the Paris Olympics 2024
- Official Footwear Partner: PUMA will provide podium and travel footwear, trolleys, backpacks, sippers, yoga mats, headbands, wristbands, socks, and towels to the Indian Olympic team.
- PUMA Contingent: 45 out of over 100 Indian athletes will represent PUMA, making it the largest brand representation in India for the 2024 Olympics.
- Campaign Launch: “See the Game Like We Do” campaign aims to build excitement around the Indian Olympic team.
- Featured Athletes: The campaign features prominent athletes PV Sindhu (double Olympic medallist), PR Sreejesh (Olympic bronze medallist and hockey goalkeeper), and Kishore Jena (Asian Games medallist).
PUMA:
- Puma Founder: Rudolf Dassler;
- Puma Owners: Artemis S.A, Kering;
- Puma Headquarters: Herzogenaurach, Germany;
- Puma Parent organization: Artemis S.A;
- Puma Founded: 1948, Herzogenaurach, Germany.
Important days
Govt To Observe 25th Of June Every Year As ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’
Government Declares June 25th as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ to Honor Democracy and Freedom
Important Points:
- June 25th will be observed annually as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’.
- Commemorates the imposition of Emergency by former PM Indira Gandhi on June 25, 1975.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the observance to honor those who fought to restore democracy.
- PM Narendra Modi emphasized the day as a reminder of the consequences of trampling the Constitution.
- Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated the observance aims to prevent the repetition of such events and uphold the Constitution.
